Wilderness Camp Instructor

WHO ARE WE?

Siskiyou Field Institute is where people come to learn about and explore the amazing Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion, a land of steep mountains, wild rivers, and unusual diversity of species and habitats. SFI is a conduit for scientists and naturalists to share their passion and knowledge with the public each year through adult field courses and youth education programs. We also host researchers and other academic groups during the field season. Our location allows all students, scholars, and guests immediate access to the Klamath-Siskiyous's world-famous serpentinite and old-growth forests. SFI is headquartered on the 850-acre Deer Creek Center where the Institute’s administrative offices and its educational, lodging, and event facilities are housed. SFI’s mission is to increase the understanding of, and connection to, the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion through education, scientific research, and public engagement.

WHO ARE YOU?

You are passionate about exploring nature, facilitating outdoor leadership, and sharing your knowledge! You have professional experience guiding back-country trips or an equivalent combination of backpacking experience and other professional skills. Preference will be given to those with knowledge of the Klamath-Siskiyou region.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Wilderness Backpacking Instructor is the guide and facilitator directly responsible for the learning, safety, and fun of our overnight campers on their backcountry/river trip.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Attend staff training

• Guide a group of high school-age campers on a 6-day/5-night backpacking and river trip

• Be responsible for camper safety during hiking, programming, and overnight camping

• Assist in setting up for camp, preparing program materials, and confirming sufficient supplies

• Work Support Staff duties when assigned, including but not limited to breaking down camp, gathering camper feedback, and participating in debriefing

• Help with meal preparation, serving, and clean up as needed

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A passion for working with young people and making a difference through education and nature connection

• Experience with leading  multi-day backpacking and/or whitewater boating trips

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or relevant work experience

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and how to implement them on group backcountry trips

• Experience facilitating outdoor adventure programs and/or summer camp experience with youth ages 14-18

• The ability to take initiative, work independently, and maintain a positive and flexible attitude

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor with other staff members

• Ability to commit to the full schedule of camp and training dates

• Ability to pass a background check

• Ability to hike 5-10 miles a day with a 45 lb pack

• Must provide and maintain own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and meet minimum insurance requirements. 

• Current Wilderness First Aid/Responder certifications or ability to obtain by program start date

• Willingness to obtain a food handler’s license by program start date

DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong desire to understand outdoor/backcountry skills and communicate it in a fun way; strong interest in natural history

• Interest in and experience with leadership development for youth in an outdoor setting

• Backpacking gear knowledge and gear maintenance experience 

• Works well as a member of a team as well as independently

• Highly motivated to succeed and to ensure program success; resourceful and creative in accomplishing goals  

• Excellent oral communication skills and ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences; public speaking experience

• We especially encourage you to apply if you are a member of (or have extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are historically impacted by current systems of oppression and have had limited access to the outdoors and environmental education

• Strong organizational and logistical skills, with an attention to detail

• Able to craft engaging experiences for the students and keep them active while learning

• Familiarity with computer programs (GoogleSuite, MS Word, Excel)

• Positive and capable outlook in both calm and challenging situations

Why Siskiyou Field Institute?

We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on youth and the environment. You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated educators who are passionate about the environment!

How To Apply:

Siskiyou Field Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please click on the following link to complete the application: HERE  and email a copy of your resume to edmanager@thesfi.org.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 541-597-8530 or edmanager@thesfi.org. Thank you!